A surprising discovery has revealed that several lakes on K’gari disappeared for nearly 2,000 years despite a wetter climate, challenging long-held scientific beliefs.
Researchers found that lakes like Boorangoora and Allom dried out between 7,500 and 5,500 years ago. This finding contradicts earlier assumptions that the lakes remained full since the last ice age.
The evidence comes from sediment records, which act like natural timelines. A complete absence of deposits during this period indicates that the lakes were dry for centuries.
Scientists believe shifting wind patterns may have redirected rainfall away from the island, showing how local climate systems can behave unpredictably even during wetter periods.
The findings raise concerns about the future stability of these lakes, especially as climate change increases evaporation and alters rainfall patterns.